Our starting 11 vs Libertyville 1974. Top left to right - Noel Gonzalez, Jacob Goldstein, Brian Murgia, Luis Rocha, Ellias Saheed, Matthew Hong (C), Lorenzo Cortez, Milton Carranza. Bottom Row - Jared Ballinas, Marcin, Ricardo Orozco, Cristofer Sanchez, Yahir Hernandez, Eliam Mier
October 24, 2026 | Libertyville, Illinois
Round Lake Evolution FC entered Saturday night knowing there was little room for error.
With the Fall 2026 playoff race tightening and every remaining point carrying added weight, the Evo responded with a 2–1 comeback victory over FC 1974 Libertyville at Libertyville Soccer Complex.
After falling behind in the first half, goals from Ricardo Orozco and Yahir Hernández turned the match around and secured three crucial points for Round Lake.
The victory moved the Evo to 13 points and kept the club's postseason hopes firmly alive heading into the final regular-season match.
Libertyville Strikes First
The hosts opened the scoring after an Evo throw-in went long and was intercepted by Libertyville.
The Libertyville attacker carried the ball forward, beat a Round Lake defender and finished the opportunity to give the home side the lead.
It was an early setback in a match where both teams understood the importance of the result.
The contest quickly became congested, with both sides battling for space and possession in the middle of the field.
Round Lake began to establish more control as the half progressed, but Libertyville remained dangerous whenever it regained possession.
Orozco Brings the Evo Level
Round Lake eventually found its equalizer through Ricardo Orozco.
A Libertyville defender attempted to play the ball back to the goalkeeper, but the Evo pressure forced the mistake.
Round Lake intercepted the pass inside the penalty area, and Orozco finished past the goalkeeper to bring the match level.
With no visible match clock available at the venue, the exact goal minute was not recorded.
The teams went into halftime tied 1–1, leaving everything to play for in the second half.
Hernández Breaks the Tension
The winning goal came through a nearly identical situation.
Once again, a Libertyville defender attempted to play the ball back toward the goalkeeper.
Once again, the Evo anticipated it.
Round Lake intercepted the pass inside the area, and Yahir Hernández calmly put the ball past the goalkeeper to give the Evo a 2–1 lead.
The goal brought a release of emotion from a Round Lake side playing under the pressure of a must-win match.
After spending much of the night in a tense, tightly contested battle, Hernández's finish finally gave the Evo the advantage it had been searching for.
Round Lake protected the lead through the final whistle and left Libertyville with all three points.
Hernández Named Man of the Match
Hernández earned Man of the Match honors for a performance that went well beyond the winning goal.
His movement and tactical awareness consistently created problems for Libertyville, while his finish ultimately proved decisive.
Several other Evo players also delivered important performances.
Captain Matthew Hong helped lead the group through a tense road match, while Ricardo Orozco worked relentlessly throughout the night and provided the first-half equalizer.
Defender Brian Murgia also battled through injury to remain on the field and help the Evo secure the result.
Playing With Their Season on the Line
Round Lake held slightly more possession over the course of the match, but Libertyville remained a constant threat when it had the ball.
The combination created a contest where neither team could ever fully relax.
Before the match, Head Coach Lorenzo Cortez reminded the squad that its postseason future remained in its own hands.
"We control our own destiny," Cortez said. "I've always believed this group is a championship contender. We just have to play our match, trust each other and take care of what we can control."
The Evo did exactly that.
Rather than allowing the early deficit to change the approach, Round Lake remained composed, continued applying pressure and eventually forced the two mistakes that decided the match.
One Match. Everything on the Line.
The victory sets up a dramatic finish to the Fall 2026 regular season.
Round Lake Evolution FC enters its final match with 13 points, with the opportunity to reach 16 and secure a place in the Midwest Central playoffs.
Standing in the way is Berber City FC.
The previously rescheduled fixture will now determine whether the Evo's Fall campaign continues into the postseason.
One match remains.
And once again, Round Lake controls its own destiny.
Match Information
FC 1974 Libertyville 1–2 Round Lake Evolution FC
Competition: UPSL Premier Division — Midwest Central
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Venue: Libertyville Soccer Complex
Result: 2–1 Win
Evo Goals:
⚽ Ricardo Orozco
⚽ Yahir Hernández
Man of the Match: ⭐ Yahir Hernández
Next Match
Berber City FC vs. Round Lake Evolution FC
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Kickoff: 4:00 PM CT
Venue: Dunbar
A win sends the Evo to the playoffs.
Vamos con todo. Vamos Evo.
